Seven California foundations to fund effort to build trust between law enforcement, communities of color

In response to incidents of violence between police and communities of color across the country, seven California foundations are committing more than $1.3 million to an initiative that aims to improve public safety by building trust between law enforcement and communities of color. Participants in the funding effort include The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, Rosenberg Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Weingart Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

The funds are awarded to expand the “Building Trust Through Reform” initiative led by PICO California, a statewide network of 500 faith-based community organizations. With this support, PICO California will work in partnership with communities and local efforts across the state, building on a program piloted in Oakland that fosters trust among law enforcement and communities of color by building a shared commitment to reform.

“While there’s much work to do, we’ve seen encouraging results from bringing together community members and law enforcement to increase trust and public safety through honest conversations about history, bias, community voice, and respect,” said Rev. Ben McBride, deputy director for PICO California. “As we work together to unlock long-term solutions that protect community members and the police officers who serve them, an ecosystem for trust is more accessible for everyone.”